Issue Position: Pro-Life

Issue Position

My views on life, both of the unborn and of the infirm, have been shaped by a number of influences. My family and church life are foremost, but my relationship with one of my best friends and mentor, Delegate Bill Janis, has also played a large role.

As I went through college some twenty-years ago, I was pro-life, but was Libertarian in many aspects. Later, in my twenties, I had occasion to be close enough to a friend's situation to have been asked for my opinion on what they should do regarding life. My counsel was that an abortion would lead to "ghosts" that they would probably see for the rest of their lives each time they looked at a child. The fact that I have subsequently watched the child grow in to a young person served to strengthen my conviction that I had given good counsel.

Despite this, I still had some reservations regarding rape and incest. This all changed one night when I was talking to Bill Janis.

"I have some concerns regarding rape and incest," I explained.

Bill responded that he wanted to ask me three questions, and that he wanted me to respond honestly. I told him that I could do that.

First, he asked me this: "When does life begin?"

I responded that life begins at the moment of conception.

Next he asked me "Is life sacred?"

I responded that life is indeed sacred.

Last, he asked me this: "Why is some life more sacred than other life?"

In thirty seconds, while having a talk and sitting on a back porch in Central Virginia, my views on the issue solidified. I am proud today, and have been for some time, to stand for what I believe is the only intellectually honest position on this issue. Having said that, I assure you that on issues of life, I will vote to protect the first and foremost inalienable right given to us by the Creator. No exceptions.

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